On February 12, SVHS students and supporters will show up at the Sonoma Valley Unified School District Board meeting to talk about the way in which the pride flag was removed from campus grounds without any public notice or legally required governance. Our community and students deserve accountability for the resulting consequences of this action and exposure of the possible underlying motivation for this action.

Wake UP Sonoma calls for School Board President David Bell, to be censured for his abuse of power, and that he be removed as President of the School Board. 

Wake UP Sonoma also calls for the School Board to place the public comment bylaw on the agenda to reverse the recently changed public comment policy back to being allowed up front for items NOT on the agenda. We feel this new process is in place to silence dissent and to minimize public input. 
California Code, EDC 35145.5.

Wake UP Sonoma calls for greater transparency within the school board process, and that the BP 5157 Policy which addresses Anti- Discrimination and Harassment be reviewed for compliance with ongoing training mandates for staff put in place in 2024. Records show this was only done one time, but was meant to be annual and ongoing training. Policy link below.
View Regulation 5157: ^Gender Identity and Access
(See section on Curriculum and Training and Harassment and Bullying)

Public presence matters. Strong turnout can help ensure the Pride flag remains a visible symbol of safety, belonging, and inclusion on campus. We want to make sure the students have the chance to speak their mind. Just your presence will be important. Although public comment is scheduled to be near the end of the meeting, the proposal to eliminate the position for student services Director of Equity and Inclusion is the agenda item we can speak to at the beginning. Attachment.aspx.pdf
WHO will continue to provide oversight of inclusive practice to implement required Title 9 laws. WHY would they even consider this action? Removing the flag is an example of why we need this oversight. 

If public comment does get pushed to the end by a School Board trying to dodge accountability, we hope you can try to stick around, and talk about your own feelings related to the flag issue. Why inclusion and symbols of inclusion are important, and what is YOUR experience as a parent with homophobia, bullying, and harassment in the school system that has impacted your child. You can speak to why you feel that David Bell’s actions are not appropriate and should have consequences. 
WE cannot allow this to continue. We are better than this!

This is the meeting where community voices can ask that the Board eliminate any further debate about the flying of the pride flag on campus. THIS SHOULD NOT BE UP FOR DISCUSSION. The flag should continue to fly. The students have a voice, and they need you to stand behind them.

 Sonoma City Chambers
177 First Street West, Sonoma
 February 12
 Open session begins around 6:00 PM
Be visible – wear your dragon pride shirt or bring a rainbow flag and/or signs of protest

Virtual access available:
https://sonomaschools-org.zoom.us/j/97674745649
Zoom Webinar ID: 976 7474 5649
Phone: +1 669 900 9128

Show up for SVHS students. Show up for inclusive schools. Show up for community.